When it comes to protecting your family and home, few devices are as vital as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. They are the first line of defence against life-threatening dangers—giving you and your loved ones crucial time to act in the event of an emergency.
As qualified gas engineers, we know just how essential these alarms are, especially in homes with gas appliances such as boilers, cookers, and fires. Unfortunately, many households either don’t have alarms installed or fail to test and maintain them regularly—leaving their families at unnecessary risk.
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Why Smoke Alarms Are Essential
Fires can start quickly and spread in minutes. A working smoke alarm will:
• Detect smoke at the earliest stages of a fire.
• Provide an audible warning, giving your family time to escape safely.
• Reduce the risk of fire-related injury or fatality.
According to UK Fire and Rescue Services, you are twice as likely to die in a house fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm. Testing your alarm once a week and replacing batteries when required can be life-saving.
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Why Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Crucial
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it is colourless, odourless, and tasteless—making it impossible to detect without a proper alarm.
CO poisoning can result from faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or death.
A properly installed and maintained carbon monoxide alarm will:
• Alert you to dangerous CO levels before they become harmful.
• Protect your family from the hidden dangers of faulty gas appliances.
• Provide peace of mind when using boilers, fires, and cookers.
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Maintenance is Key
Simply installing alarms is not enough—they must be tested and maintained regularly. Here’s what we recommend:
• Test alarms weekly using the test button.
• Replace batteries annually (unless sealed for 10 years).
• Vacuum alarms gently to remove dust build-up.
• Replace the alarm units every 7–10 years (depending on manufacturer guidance).
Pairing your alarms with regular gas appliance servicing ensures maximum safety at home.
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Gas Care Plus: Keeping Leicestershire Homes Safe
At Gas Care Plus, we are committed to safeguarding families across Leicestershire by providing expert boiler installation, boiler servicing, and boiler repair & breakdown services. Our Gas Safe registered engineers not only keep your heating running smoothly but also ensure your home remains safe from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide.
We proudly serve homeowners in all main areas of Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Coalville, Wigston, and surrounding villages across Leicestershire.
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Final Word
Don’t wait until it’s too late—install and regularly check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Combine that with professional boiler servicing and gas safety checks from Gas Care Plus, and you’ll have complete peace of mind knowing your family is protected.
For expert boiler services or to arrange a gas safety check in Leicestershire, contact Gas Care Plus today Ph: 07704141410
